Otherworldly! 2020 Seiko Alpinist Unboxing & Early Impressions SPB119J1 / SBDC089 ProspeX

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Gnomon still has some in stock, but not sure if they are an Authorized Dealer. So at that price, the smart thing would be to wait until the price comes down.
www.gnomonwatc...
I also just noticed that someone on Amazon (USA) is selling the original SARB017 for $399. Which is not a bad price considering Gnomon has it listed for ~$550. Although I don't know anything about the seller on Amazon. amzn.to/39IvlQ9
-----Other Watches
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Seiko 5KX: • Inheriting the legacy ...
Hamilton Khaki King: • It's Good to Be the Ki...
Akura Wayfarer: No Review.
Yet you can see the grey one here: • What Happened to the A...
And more of the Red in my top 10 video at the end: • Relative Time's Top Te...
Today is something special. An unboxing and early impressions video of the new 2020 Seiko Alpinist. Which is now part of the ProspeX line. Specifically the white or cream dialed version. Reference SPB119J1 / SBDC089. Originally I was going to wait until the prices dropped, but my will power crumbled earlier this week.
It's a fantastic watch that's 39.5mm wide and uses Seiko's new 6R35 movement. A slight upgrade from the 6R15 that now has a 70hr power reserve.
I should have the full review out in a few weeks. Yet I want to take my time to get it right. Yet in the meantime let me know what nickname you think this one should have. I'm partial to the Ghost Alpinist.
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links, I am an Amazon, Armilla, Aliexpress, Spinnaker, eBay and Phoibos affiliate so I would earn a small commission on qualified purchases. But most of the time Amazon is just the best source to link something just to get a look. I always encourage you to shop around and find the best price.
#relativetime #alpinist #2020alpinist

Опубликовано:

17 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 359

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Table o Contents: 0:00 Intro & Background 1:55 Unboxing 2:42 Look at the dial 5:15 Things to know I usually don't do unboxings, but I wanted to make an exception for this one. Unboxings always seem to be rather slow, so I did this one a little differently as an experiment. Multiple camera angles, and a story while starting it.

@dparis2172 4 года назад

6:56 Says (hallo) "weenie". 🤣

@112deeps 4 года назад

Yep i got the same one white cream. for british pounds 👍👏

@112deeps 4 года назад

The N. E. W. S line up just great with all the indices. Phew, You almost had me worried. 😂🤣

@HunterAsesino1 4 года назад

I would love to see a rant from the calmest watch reviewer on RU-vid!

@HonestWatchReviewsHWR 4 года назад

That would be great to see. I wouldn't blame him either. That would drive me mad.

@Munkenba 4 года назад

Calmest? He sounds like he's about to slam a fireman's axe into Paul Allen's back

@kevinpsychedelik2365 4 года назад

@@Munkenba Look at that subtle off-white coloring dial. The tasteful thickness of it. Oh, my God. It even has a Prospex watermark.

@Munkenba 4 года назад

@@kevinpsychedelik2365 hahahaha that fits perfectly

@jasonriccoboni5931 4 года назад

@@Munkenba That’s crazy, because the entire time I was watching this video I was thinking “man this guy sounds like Patrick Bateman”...haha

@williamj3459 4 года назад

As always, Shane, you're spot-on. Re: "I tell you, freakin' Seiko" - That sums up my reaction to the mis-aligned markers perfectly. One should not be faced with the problem of figuring out what went wrong with dial/chapter ring alignment when shelling out over $600 for a watch. They get so close, yet come so only so far.

@Vaco67 4 года назад

Freakin Seiko man...lol preach

@TheTownWatch 4 года назад

The "crumbling will", a bane for all of us watch lovers!

@EhRandomGuy 4 года назад

Your unboxings already feel like really good reviews/intros to a watch someone would want to buy You're really underrated!

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Thanks! Still feels odd making them unboxings at times. I've gotten more used to doing more detailed final review that I'm not sure where I should stop with an unboxing.

@davestubens2201 3 года назад

Shane, just curious after a year did you flip the Apinist or is it still in your collection? I had to laugh because you seemed surprised with the alignment issues. C'mon it wouldn't be a Seiko without poor QC.

@darrensmith6999 4 года назад

Beautiful ! Mmm as to a name i think if i owned it i would call it the "Ivory" because idf the dial. I own a SRAB 017 and i love it. What do you make of the cyclops? Personally i think its a bit too much on a watch of this size. Great Vid as always. Darren.

@dustycups 4 года назад

The rotating bezel is a bit sloppy sometimes can be moved laterally as you apply side pressure or rotate its crown. I believe it’s this looseness that throws off the alignment. You can see the whole thing move sometimes, very slightly.

@kubodrdul 4 года назад

First of all I enjoy your reviews a lot. Your voice is great and as it was mentioned in other comments you are very calm and I appreciate that :) Keep it up. In you review you said that there is some misalignment and that is is super common for Seikos. That is true. Since I have started collecting I had 6 Seikos and each one of them had some kind of "problem". I have recently purchased black Alpinist (still waiting) and King Turtle which arrived few days ago. The turtle is almost perfect but few markers on the bazel are a little bit off, but it is not as bad as your alpinist, you can hardly see it even if you concentrate on that. I must say those Seiko's QC issues bothered me a lot in the past but then I realised that Seiko taught me to appreciate a watch even if it is not a perfect one. I can now live with a small misalignments or with some tiny-tiny speck under the crystal thanks to Seiko. When you look at watches under even 2 000 you can always discover some kind of imperfection and I am happy that Seiko taught me this valuable lesson - nothing is perfect and I can live with an imperfect watch.

@75thteaster54 4 года назад

So you can actually get a bearing off a watch like this? I know it’s a dumb question but I don’t get what you mean by the hands not lining up perfect with the N-S-E-W markers? Sorry to bother you with a question like that

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Pause it at 7:36 and you can see what I mean. Nothing wrong with the compas functionality, its that the bezel isn't lining up with the dial. If I have North on the bezel lined up in the middle of an hour indicator. Than south which is directly opposite should also be lined up in the middle of that indicator. Yet it's off to the right a little. Which means something isn't quite assembled right. If it was then lining up N, S, E, or W with one indicator should also line up all the other indicators. It's only a little off, and not a huge deal. Yet kind of annoying on a watch that costs almost $700.

@csharpewalls 4 года назад

I like the white model the best, but I prefer the the older style without the cyclops, looking forward to the complete review.

@randynovick7972 4 года назад

Nice to see this brief rundown. I think I might be the only watch enthusiast that has ZERO enthusiasm for the Alpinist. It looks fine. It's got the cool crown-actuated bezel. It comes in more than one color, now. It just doesn't grab me. Hope you enjoy yours.

@whatulookingat 4 года назад

Nope not alone in the zero interest.

@JusttheWatch 4 года назад

Looking forward to the full review! I really like the look of the black dial on the stainless bracelet. That compass bezel alignment issue is a real head scratcher.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

The black dial "Shark Tooth" one is really cool. Only one with a bracelet and different dial.

@friscokid66 4 года назад

That is absolutely truly gorgeous watch. Great simple, classic, timeless vintage looks. Also, that white dial is just amazing. Seiko nailed the balance between the dressy and functional field. HOWEVER, the inner bezel markers not lining up as you mentioned is---UNFORGIVABLE. For me, especially at that price, it is a deal breaker. They really need to fix this. Such a bummer for a gorgeously executed watch.

@cmo5123 4 года назад

Doesn't seem much to be had over the SARB17. It is hard to wait and we appreciate getting the review! Your other review on the Glycine airman base 22 GMT sent me on a hunt, but now that I have it. It's a real superstar in person! I really dig your style of review, look forward to the next one

@steven3379 4 года назад

A beautiful watch!... As far as the direction indicators alignment is concerned.. The magnetic poles are moving too... So no worries! 😂😂😂 Looking forward to the full review! I almost got the SARB017, as my first mechanical watch but I went with a SARW019 instead I never regretted it in the least.... However I do like the new version! Thanks for the video!

@anthonyd6881 4 года назад

Wow... Best review on the new alpinist I've seen so far. Well done! You've earned a subscriber.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Thanks and welcome! Rather than just do the floating hands I try to get as many great up close shots as I can to show everything off.

@stusims6567 4 года назад

Great vid!!! I enjoyed the extra effort you put into this unboxing! Keep up the great work!

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Thank you!

@flecky74 4 года назад

Nice initial thoughts on your new alpinist, looking forward to the full review. I have watched a few alpinist reviews and have noticed the compass mis alignment, but you are the first to mention it, possible deal breaker so needs more discussion. Regardless hope you still enjoy the watch.

@francesgerardgenil1592 4 года назад

Honest and clear overview. I do agree with that there is always "something going on" with Seikos. Probably the Seiko with the "least" complaint I have encountered from the reviewers is the SARB033. Maybe it's time for you to get hold on that and see for yourself. More power to you sir

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

At some point I might, I've only heard good things about them.

@Miamis4me305 4 года назад

Very nice video. First timer here and new sub. I personally like Ghost Alpanist. I own the 017 and love it. Trying to decide between this and the Sarb035. Which one is "creamier" in color? Would love a side by side video of the two. Looking forward to your review.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Thanks and welcome. I've never seen the Sarb035 in person, so I couldn't say. Although if I get an opportunity to get a shot next to each other I will.

@acefire6422 4 года назад

Didn’t realise Patrick Bateman did watch reviews. I’ve also just got this watch, very pleased with it, an upgrade on the Sarb017 which I sold a year ago. Good job with the review.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Thanks! I think this watch will pair nicely with the bone white coloring of my business cards. 😎 But seriously, how's the alignment on yours?

@acefire6422 4 года назад

Relative Time After watching your vid I had to check straight away! Happily it’s just about perfect, but the fact yours isn’t shows that Seiko still have an issue with consistency in their QC department even at this price point. You can forgive it on a £90 Seiko 5, not so much on a £600 Prospex! I’m really pleased with the watch though. I had an 017 and loved everything about it but in the end couldn’t live with the gold & green. This colour way is ideal. Plus, the movement is a decent upgrade, the compass on mine feels tighter (017 used to move on its own!), the cyclops has good magnification. I prefer the dial text on this - some people don’t like the X logo but I don’t like watches that have the number of jewels written on the dial as the 017 did, think its looks cheap. If I could make any tweaks to this new watch, I’d replace the word ‘Automatic’ on the dial with the word ‘Alpinist’, and give it a signed ‘crown. 👍👍

@jwags24 4 года назад

After wearing my Hamiltons, the alpinist just felt so thick and top heavy on my wrist. Can’t wait for your review ! If I did get one again, it would be the cream dial with gold hands.

@willardhooton920 4 года назад

Jared Wagner Just received that one (SBDC093) and it’s fantastic!

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

I would love to see them side by side. Does the SBDC093 have the orange markers on the bezel?

@willardhooton920 4 года назад

Relative Time Yes it does, may be the same part on both...really enjoying the piece- just put it on a Barton’s coffee brown alligator band (with gold buckle), man what a stunner!!

@jwags24 4 года назад

@@willardhooton920 Awesome!! How does it wear? Immediately after I wrote my comment I started searching for the best price while deciding which watch in my collection I will sell to afford it. The gold hands against that dial look incredible!

@willardhooton920 4 года назад

Jared Wagner It wears great- slightly thicker, but it adds to the wrist presence...highly recommend, as it looks fantastic in the flesh - modern classic that feels really vintage and old school at the same time. You will not regret getting this one...could be best Alpinist combo EVER!

@BojanBojovic 3 года назад

I can not decide between one or the black one. Would you still choose the same?

@RelativeTime 3 года назад

I would, but that's mostly because I don't have too many white dial watches. That and I like the hour arabics on the dial, rather then the minute.

@phemdima8826 4 года назад

I bought the watch few weeks ago, when i saw it in picture it was kind of a love at first sight. Since i only had black dials and painted indexes the watch is more than welcomed, It is casual, dressy and elegant . The size is perfect, looks like a 38 mm case. I put a brown vintage leather strap from Colareb on it and it looks awesome. I have the same chapter ring misalignement issue as your model, but it doesn't bother me since the prints on the bezel are tiny, unlike a diver's bezel. No watch is perfect but this one is sweet ;-)

@eliteslayerkillamaja 4 года назад

If you spin the bezel to a random point I imagine you wouldn't notice the tiny misalignment if the points weren't directly in line with any indicies. Also, the type is so small and dense it wouldn't disrupt the look at the bezel pretty much looks the same no matter what way it points.

@andorandor5310 3 года назад

How is been your experience with the movement 6r35 Of this Seiko Until now ? I will really appreciate your response thanks .

@RelativeTime 3 года назад

So far so good. Not much different from when I made the video. Accuracy seems the same, and the extended power reserve is nice, but don’t quite think it’s the 70hrs they say.

@andorandor5310 3 года назад

@@RelativeTime thank you I appreciate your response :) as I been thinking on getting one

@barmo3853 4 года назад

Another excellent review, I always look forward to a new one and will look forward to your full review of this watch

@maidpretty 4 года назад

I like this watch and Seiko which I own several of, but ah, Seiko found a way again... misaligned inner rings and bezels - it's kind of a "classic feature". Don't get me wrong, I know it's an issue and how tormenting it can't be for somebody with watch-tier OCD - last week I took my new watch for a service because of a misalignment between hour and minute hands: when hour hand pointed strictly at hour marker, the minute hand was pointing at 2 minutes marker instead of 0/60, which is within tolerance, but still bugged me. Watchmaker didn't give me weird looks, because before that he was resetting a second hand on one of my quartz watches to hit the markers, and before that he swapped hands on another watch with custom ones, because in my eyes original hands were a bit to thin and 1mm too short. I know it sounds kinda crazy, but...

@sumofall3991 4 года назад

Dude I love your uploads, you sound like Patrick Bateman from American Psycho doing watch reviews!

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Thanks! I've been getting that a lot lately. 😎

@SlapShotRegatta22 4 года назад

Ummmm, is the strap is upside down? Or is that just part of the deployant clasp?

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

It's how Seiko (and Orient) does their depolyant clasp. I thought the same thing when I pulled it out of the box.

@khronokraze 4 года назад

The internal bezel is not 100% set. It shifts laterally depending on which way it turns. It's an inherent "flaw", for lack of better term, in all the Alpinists. Actually, often many watches with internal rotating bezels will have this slight alignment issue, in my experience. I think it needs the slack to be able to rotate the internal bezel with less resistance. If tolerance too tight, I imagine it could lock up or not rotate as smoothly in operation. Although i really like the new black dial alpinist, as with any of the alpinist since the sarb017, i have major OCD and the fact the bezel can often never be truly centered, let alone set as the crown that rotates it does not lock and it always gets knocked and moved. I could not justify the purchase of another alpinist since I sold my blue alpinist. If seiko had upgraded and improved the compass crown to be lockable, I probably would have a new alpinist by now.

@nicks8026 4 года назад

Khrono Kraze I think you missed the point. North south East and west are not equidistant from each other on the bezel so when north and west are lined up, East and south are not.

@khronokraze 4 года назад

@@nicks8026 no, I understand. I think the alignment issue could still be what I said. The bezel ring shifts around and one or more sides could line up but others do not. Additionally, or alternatively. could be a printing error.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

@Khrono Kraze Right now I'm guessing the dial isn't lined up perfectly with the case. That it might be slightly shifted to the left. Probably not enough that you would normally notice, but with the compass bezel it makes it more obvious that somethings up. Which I've read can be caused by something as simple as over tightening one of the dial holder screws. So that it pulls the dial a little in that direction. I'm going to try and look into this a little more. As well as see what other photos and videos show.

@jonwlo 2 года назад

Where did you get that cool wooden chess board???

@franzstoeffer5317 3 года назад

That Akura is beautiful. You were surprised that Seiko was out of alignment? Too funny))) 😉

@jaromor8808 4 года назад

Can you measure+compare both the old and the new Alpinist plz? I wonder whether the dial has actually grown.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

I don't have the older one. If I did I would. Supposedly everything is the same though.

@TheRooftopParty 4 года назад

Great video your camera is very steady and we have time to look at the watch

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Thanks!

@kingd1969 4 года назад

Good looking watch, but WHY would you want compass markings without it actually containing a compass? Not to mention, if it is out of line, it can’t be accurate. I don’t get it. Nicknames... lost in the woods or wandering in no man’s land.

@tezzanewton 4 года назад

When you mentioned the misalignment I ran to get my new black Alpinist. I already have a ever so slightly misaligned 12 o’clock lume pip, although only maybe by a quarter of a millimeter. But luckily mine is bang on the money, phew, cos my OCD was starting to ping. I gave my 017 to my wife and was going to also get the new green one for myself but after seeing the one you have, I think I’ll get that instead.

@altbinhax 4 года назад

Yes, I have a black one and no alignment issue. I like the compass function, but I'm unlikely to use it frequently.

@tezzanewton 4 года назад

Bill McQ I’m just talking about the 12 o’clock pip. It’s fixed and only slightly out, I can only tell when using a jewellers loupe, but OCD will prevail haha

@jorge23483 4 года назад

Personally, It looks good but the white and silver doesn't convince me. Personally, I like more the White/Ivory dial with the golden hands and markers because it looks more visible... I love the new black one with steel bracelet, that one would be my next Alpinist, maybe🧭🏔️🌎💕.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

The black looks really nice and I was tempted with it's shark tooth markers. Yet I liked the dial layout of this one better.

@renem6174 4 года назад

Your adjustment on the West “ W “ is not correct, retry , adjust properly and you will have correct results on East “ E “ . The problem with some of you is - you’re far away from Japan’s Quality in “ reporting “ . QA ing.for many years , and not in Japan , no bias.

@TimeToGoTravelAndTimepieces 4 года назад

It's definitely a little disheartening that at the increasing prices the QC is still such an issue. Thanks for the video.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Agreed. Still trying to determine what the cause is. If it's the dial, or the bezel, or just a little bit of slop as you turn it. Not sure, but sounds like a fair amount of Sarb017s had it as well. One odd thing I noticed today is that if I rotate it all the way around so that S is at the 12, its a lot more lined up than if N was at the 12. Not sure whats with that.

@kallehakkanen2189 4 года назад

Looking forward to the review! As a bracelet guy, it would be cool if you also bought a Strapcode metal bracelet for it (if they make one). That way you could also do a Strapcode aftermarket bracelet review at the same time. There really aren't many of those on the RU-vid. I like your videos a lot. Great quality and honest opinions, and a nice a calming voice. You remind me of a young Charlie Sheen :)

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Thanks. Years ago I'd occasionally hear I looked like Emilo (Charlie's brother). At least back when Emilo had hair. I might get one of the bracelts. I think I heard that they fit the new ones as well, but I'll try to double check that first.

@riverfishing2051 4 года назад

Right as these were released there was a drop in the original Alpinist. I ended up buying the older one on amazon for $386 instead, along with a strapcode bracelet. My bezel is aligned but it moves easily... with just a minor bump on the crown. I think I like the date magnifier better. ...Great review

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

I saw that as well, really good price. If I had seen that first I probably would of got an sarb017.

@ceeb2275 4 года назад

Great review. I've always wanted the original Alpinist but this seems too pricey for me. One problem however. The unboxing. Every watch that turns up at my house. Looks like a four year old opening his first Christmas present.

@altbinhax 4 года назад

It has added value with improvement of the movement, and 70 hour power reserve.

@scottsandora3951 4 года назад

Hi Shane, congrats on the new watch. I like and dislike the same things as you regarding the new Alpinist. The dial color is gorgeous but somehow there is too much going on. Same as the old one in my opinion, which is why I never drank that Kool Aid. Now my Sarb035 is another story...

@jeeperspeepers8323 4 года назад

Loved your commentary. Subscribed.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Thanks & Welcome!

@dustycups 4 года назад

Indices and numerals are stamped into the dial from behind then painted, rather than applied.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Someone else mentioned that and linked me some footage of the rear of a SARB017. I don't think anyone has checked with these new ones, but it would seem to reason it's the same. Although for the price increase Seiko should of applied them.

@Peter-tc3ep 4 года назад

I bought my Seiko Alpinist for 20% below retail over a month ago in green. I saw the three styles in person at my local jewelry store, decided on the green after seeing them in person. I liked the sundial effect on the green dial. My only dislikes are time keeping, definitely not super accurate, mines mostly plus 15 seconds a day. Definitely like the 70 hour reserve. Also dislike the band, it’s a really hard to break in leather, I switched to a nato after a week. Brown/grey leather nato with the green dial looks great. My dial also does not line up, the compass is slightly off from the face markers. Definitely annoying. Also whenever you unlock or lock the crown my compass ring moves slightly. Almost like the whole watch inners have some play. But I guess I shouldn’t be so picky on a $600 watch, just felt it could have been amazing with a little more effort. I also wish it was slightly thinner, only seems a bit bulky due to its smaller diameter and lug to lug length. Overall I really like the watch for its price point but for myself doesn’t look or feel like a more expensive watch.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

That's pretty much where I'm at, but gonna give it more time for a full review. In some ways it's good (and bad) that I'm not the only one with alignment issues. At least now I know mine isn't a random mistake.

@dparis2172 4 года назад

Really smitten with this white version despite its small issues. It took a little while for me to put my finger on what makes the dial so attractive, but I think in large part it comes down to how the applied indices and numerals have that soft polish easing to their finish. They seem to melt into the dial. I don't recall seeing that detail on many

@RobNY5150 4 года назад

I much prefer the ExplOrient. I'm really debating getting one.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

It's a great watch. Trick might be finding one for a good price.

@Andrew-J316 4 года назад

Nice colorway choice! Appreciate the review!

@donfoley1590 4 года назад

I don't think the compass bezel is supposed to be aligned. Because the north will always be different what ever way your wrist is facing. It's not designed to be aligned, it's only my opinion

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

All the markings won't alight, they are separated by different amounts. But I was thinking that if the bezel and the dial are aligned properly with the case. Then if you line up N to be in line with 12, S should be lined up to 6. Where here its a tad off.

@donfoley1590 4 года назад

@@RelativeTime OK yes, you're right. Love your posts. I'm gone off Seiko Alpinests now👍👍 thanks for the reply

@TechnoLawyer 4 года назад

Wow is that alignment bad. That's worse than the notorious skx bezel alignment issues.

@robbabcock_ 4 года назад

Nice! I look forward to your full review.

@MyAffordableWatchCollection 4 года назад

That's weird. I really like graphic dials and I do love the SARB017, but this new Alpinist just doesn't speak to me. Your video is beautiful as always though.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

What do you think of the new black dial version with shark teeth indices? www.gnomonwatches.com/products/prospex-alpinist-sharks-tooth-black-ref-sbdc087-spb117j1

@cuddlefish999 4 года назад

Lovely watch. I have the old sarb017 and have that mid aligned bezel thing too. It's weird that seiko can misalign a circle...

@josepmariaaguascaribot9239 4 года назад

Congrats. With the soft ivory tone and white rehaut. That's my preferred.

@tjerkheringa937 4 года назад

I have that little clock and my compass-bezel is perfectly aligned

@bitofakick2938 4 года назад

I've got the black dial with metallic bracelet. I do see what you're saying about the compass...a bit annoying. It's not really more than a $600-650 new watch. But at that range should hold pretty good value in the future.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

How do you like the bracelet?

@bitofakick2938 4 года назад

@@RelativeTime Not bad. In a similar price range I prefer the one on my Casio G-Shock gold B5000

@adelb2300 4 года назад

what do you think of "Snow White" ?

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

She had a thing for short dudes. 😎

@michaelduby3699 4 года назад

Nice piece but I noticed that ghost vostok right away

@billestevens3993 4 года назад

I would love to buy one of these new Alpinists, and (indeed) the cream white may be the best of the lot. However, I already have the old green Alpinist on a great Strapcode bracelet that i bought two years ago for $400 + $170 for the bracelet. I love having spent every fricking penny of almost $600. The watch is gorgeous in an elegant very understated way, and I wear it everywhere, from shorts & tshirt to tuxedos. And guess what? THE CHAPTER RING(S) ALL LINE UP! I haven't bought a new Seiko that involves a chapter ring in over a year. I have bought a couple of outstanding microbrands with awesome design, execution, and quality control. (The (Long Island Watch) deep blue Islander Diver with Sapphire bezel insert and lume from the Seventh Celestial Kingdom for TWO HUNDRED NINETY-NINE DOLLARS comes to mind, and there are other worthy candidates. Not to mention Orient and Citizen who are not beset by either the greed or poor quality control thqat Seiko seems to have internalized of late. Of course, a reasonable person woukd say that Seiko cannot indefinitely continue to jack up the MSRPs while cutting back on the quality control, but empirical experience says otherwise. Has Seiko been taken over by Stanford and Tokyo U manufacturing-accounting MBAs? I don't know--what does the data from the field say?

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Seiko still has a lot of great entry level Seiko 5s, but it seems like they killed off a lot of their great $300-$500 watches and replaced with similar entries that are $600+. Which they are free to do, but it seems like they are abandoning that $300-$500 range to microbrands. On another note how do you like the strapcode bracelet? I've heard they fit the new ones, so I might have to find out.

@billestevens3993 4 года назад

Anent the recent green dial Alpinist and the unique Strapcode bracelet that is made to fit it: the original Seiko brown leather strap was excessively mediocre but looked great, with the browm strap and the greeen dial..With some misgivings I ordered the one, only Strapcode bracelet that was specific to the Alpimist just as soon as it stopped being out of stock, fully intending to get a proper brown leather (alligator?) strap to alternate with the Strapcode bracelet. I gave up on this notion as soon as I got the bracelet installed. on the watch. ,The bracelet just looked too damned good on the watch. It discretely screamed "$2500 watch" even thpugh I knew jolly well I had dropped barely $600 pm the tout ensemble. The more I gazed at the watch with that particular Straapcode bracelet. the more I came to realize that a brown strap, even a brown alligator strap, was something for the poor people, and not consistent with the obviously understated good breeding, old money snd exquisite taste to which I aspired. Screw the brown alligator strap. It just wasn't for the likes of me, now that I had the bracelet. As to the bracelet itself, it is a joy to behold and wear, and it is built like a tank. Hell, it looks like a tank traad. It os easily the most comfortable bracelet I personally have ever encountered. The bracelet ticks all the boxes: milled clasp, screw pins on the individual links, SIX MICRO ADJUSTMENTS, and fit and finish are beyond reproach. To think that live in an era in which mere money can buy this kind of luxury and good breeding. Take me now, Lord, for I have seen it all.

@billestevens3993 4 года назад

The Strapcode bracelet is beyond reproach, It is exceedingly comfortable and it makes the Alpinist + bracelet look like a $2500 watch. The bracelet has a milled clasp. screw pins on the individual links, SIX MICRO ADJUSTMENTS, and the fit & finish is awesome. Ya gotta problem with this?

@willardhooton920 4 года назад

I think the endlinks on the Strapcode bracelet extend the lid-to-lug too much for my 7.75” wrist :(

@Furniture121 4 года назад

I love the cream dial, but I'm not a fan of the cyclops. Just as I was getting over the cyclops, the compass misalignment showed up, and I went back to being disinterested in the Alpinist.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Still trying to figure out whats with bezel. Odd thing is I noticed if I rotate it so that S is at the 12, it's more lined up that if N is at the 12. Not sure how that works. As for the cyclops, not a huge fan in general but so far it's not bothering me.

@Furniture121 4 года назад

@@RelativeTime I'd assume that the markers are not painted correctly on the bezel, but who knows what wizardry Seiko has worked up to ensure bezels don't align.

@wakawaka1976 4 года назад

The Alpinist “Ghost” is really good looking... The newer discontinued Alpinist didn’t have “Alpinist” written on it. It was “Automatic” written in cursive. The older older alpinists, like the quartz one, had “Alpinist” written on the dial. I really dislike the Prospex logo.

@cashinhand 4 года назад

Ghost Alpinist - Very good video!

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Thanks. I'll be working on the full review soon.

@islandterror5198 4 года назад

😭 The Thrill is Gone in one Day ? Rut Ro ! What's the production run #'s on these ? Looks like 2\3rds of that inner Bezel is off with that outer track , not quite sure it was meant to line up with the hour markers tho and certainly looks apparent it never could . I hope it has more appeal to u over time .🥂

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Not quite gone, but just annoyed. So far hasn't bugged me too much but time will tell. It's more the principal of the thing, and that this seems to be an ongoing issue with Seiko across the board.

@islandterror5198 4 года назад

@@RelativeTime In retrospect was there anyway to obtain one in person rather then sent ? Would be a safer bet for next time perhaps .

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

@@islandterror5198 100% agree. A safer way to go, especially on the more expensive Seikos.

@salmatosjr5285 4 года назад

I don't know if its a layout/mathematical thing with the dial layout but as I compare my other watches the non-quadrant markers never perfectly line up along the center point of the dial. If you set the north marker at on of the major hour markers (the quads 12,3,6, and 9) the major directional hours should line up but hit any of the other hour markers the east, west and south marks will be slightly off. The same thing is observed with a 24 hour GMT sub-dial or 60 click bezel. I'm sure some big brained follower of yours will chime in, spatial geometry was never my thing.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Your exactly right. I still have to look at this more, but I think whats going on with this one is the dial is just slightly rotated to the left. Not a lot, and on most watches it wouldn't be noticeable, yet here because of the detailed bezel you can see somethings up. If it is, it's only a couple degrees, it just looks blown up due to the macro shots. The cause could be something as simple as one of the screws that holds the movement to the dial is too tight, which can cause the dial to shift slightly to that direction. I'm curious, but honestly not curious to open up a brand new $700 watch.

@willardhooton920 4 года назад

Don’t think it’s mathematical as the dial is 360 degrees (circular), as is the degrees of a compass. That said, I have an 017 that is off the exact same way! Also have the new SBDC093 champagne/gilt, and thankfully the compass ring reads spot on with that piece.

@kiwi_commander 4 года назад

Ugh, those seem to be pretty bad qc issues especially for a piece where the bezel is the most noticeable part of the watch.

@derekvillorente4334 4 года назад

Give in to the Alpinst! You cannot resist the power of Seiko! I have the original green one.

@garydannenbaum3452 4 года назад

Great watch and addition to my small collection of white dial Seiko’s. The strap is somewhat small though. I guess that it wasn’t intended for an American over 6 feet tall with big wrists. Cured that with a near identical Hadley-Roma that accepted the stock deployant clasp so I’m very happy.

@willardhooton920 4 года назад

Sweet spot for me is the champagne/gilt SBDC093 ...throwing vintage vibes!

@vjsseafoodmountgravatt9568 4 года назад

They look amazing in the sunshine!

@albertmanuel5028 4 года назад

Another great video. I caved as well, just bought the cream with gold hands and green strap from Sakura watches.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Nice! I'm sure that would look fantastic on a bracelet too. Strapcode says theirs should fit, and Uncle Seiko sent me one to try out. I wish it had solid endlinks, but it looks great on a beads of rice bracelet. instagram.com/p/B815PhCHApO/

@77cjam 4 года назад

There is no doubt the classic green alpinist is an iconic watch, but new dial colours were always gonna come especially after the sales (and whines) the blue caused. If I had a choice I would personally go for the original green dial, but wouldn't pay the asking price for these. Will be interesting to see the review (although given the complaints already at the unboxing probably know how it will go)

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

So far I still like it. The bezel issue is just annoying, but it's not overly noticeable. I'll see as I give it some time. I'm more curious trying to figure out the cause. If it's the bezel, or maybe the dial that is slightly off.

@fedemotta3 4 года назад

Even with these flaws, I want an aplinist so much! New or old, don't care

@nartlambaz 2 года назад

I have that same watch . Love it . I always want to look at it

@nicks8026 4 года назад

You chose wisely. So much better than the leprechaun colorway. Also, the gradient color dial is pronounced: fu-MAY.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Thanks for the tip. I'm guessing it's french in origin than. Does that mean when writing it should be Fumé not Fume?

@nicks8026 4 года назад

Relative Time correct! The “e” gets an acute accent. Cheers.

@diamondbed86 4 года назад

That is a beauty! I like the white rather than the green.

@wakajumba 4 года назад

I have also heard that the compass ring, in addition to alignment issues, jiggles ever so slightly. Otherwise, I love the design and will probably be picking up a green one soon

@wbarns15 4 года назад

wakajumba I had a SARB017 that did just that, almost seemed to bob up and down at certain points during a rotation 👎🏻

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

It does a little. Although most internal bezels I've seen do it to some degree. So maybe it's just part of the design.

@iangarvey110 4 года назад

THE PHANTOM ! 😱

@TheLumeRoom 4 года назад

Excellent video! I'm tempted with the Alpinist and would probably go cream 👍🏻

@eleveneleven572 4 года назад

The white one is superb.....but that misalignment would drive me CRAZY.

@mrbacchus6127 4 года назад

Seiko is upping there prices these days. How about improving your packaging Seiko? As for the full review I'd like to know about accuracy of the movement and real world power reserve.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Agreed. For the first 24hrs it's at +5, but I'm gonna keep checking it for at least one week. After that I'll see how long the power reserve lasts.

@saintdave1877 4 года назад

I got the solar diver , roughly £300-350 here in the UK and the box was far superior , a black finished case with pleather like material. Strange they are using such a low end box for a high end product. Maybe just another sign of Seiko quality going down. images.app.goo.gl/oXJg4aChCdHnpsNaA

@KING_kid6 4 года назад

Bro that issue you have with the compass is the common misaligned chapter ring found in many seiko model especially their divers like skx or turtle. I encountered same issue when I bought my sarb033. For me I returned it and get a new one as it is a qc issue I think misprinting in the dial. I just cannot live with that

@rockthewatch 4 года назад

I’ve been Rockin’ white dial watches lately. Great video. Keep up the good work. The green dial is epic but that white dial is nooice. 🤣

@willardhooton920 4 года назад

Rock The Watch Same here. All of a sudden I’m all over the white dials - just got the SBDC093 Alpinist and the white Smiths Everest (both are FANTASTIC)

@edcfyau 4 года назад

How do you use that compass? Is it dynamic?

@stevek8829 4 года назад

No, it's not magnetic.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Here is a video I made a while ago on how to use a watch to find North or South. Basically you do that, then use rotate the bezel so it lines up. That way you can more easily tell what the other directions are. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UuobKdKqDd8.html

@waktosha7378 4 года назад

I think the Alpinist Ghost sounds a little better. As far as the misalignment, I would send it back. It cost way too much money for qc issues. That's why I quit buying Seikos. If I want bad qc, I would just buy a Vostok. At least they have charm and a price that most of the qc issues can be overlooked!

@jaredknight 4 года назад

I've started wearing watches after college when I started my first full time job. I've only bought cheap casio digital watches because I use them when I exercise too might buy this for when at work

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

I started again last couple years in college. I thought it would look more professional when interviewing, then it sort of took off from there.

@dustinr16 4 года назад

It’s the printing along the bezel. It’s not been calibrated properly when it was printed. I’d return that watch. No way would I keep that with misalignment. This is why I only buy Seiko in person when I can inspect them. Their quality control is virtually non-existent. They just don’t seem to care, but are happy to keep increasing their prices.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

I'm not sure if it's the printing. It might just be that there is a fair amount of slop in the bezel mechanism. Turning it left and right I can see it jump a forward and back a little. The odd thing I've also seen is that if I rotate it so that S is at the 12, it's more aligned than when N is at the 12. Still not perfect, but definitely looks better. I've surprisingly heard from a number of SARB017 owners who say there has the same thing. Funny I don't remember any other reviewer mentioning it, but maybe it's just something in the design.

@dustinr16 4 года назад

Relative Time: OK then that is very strange. My OCD would not be happy with that issue.

@steve69chevy 4 года назад

To quote Moe On the Simpsons When he saw the Hope cubic zirconia “WHAT AN EYESORE”

@michaelhargis7036 4 года назад

Long live the Simpsons!

@tyik 4 года назад

Very well presented, thanks.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Thanks! 👍

@allenjanes5976 4 года назад

Digging that watch. Especially the Cyclops. Nice job and thanks. Had to edit do to the chapter ring misalignment. Pff, seems like such a simple thing to get right. Oh well. They'll sell the heck out of them anyway

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

I'm sure they already have. It's not a huge misalignment, just annoying for the price. I'll look into it more but I suspect the dial might be slightly rotated to the left. Maybe one of the screws holding it is too tight. I also want to check some other photos and videos to see if other's have the issue as well. I noticed that the photos on Gnomon do. I also noticed that the photos on Hodinkee are rotated in such a way that it's hard to tell. www.hodinkee.com/articles/three-alpinist-watches-seiko-prospex-introducing The conspiracy theorist in me want's to think they did that on purpose so no one would notice. 😎

@vidalroland 4 года назад

Hi ! I totally approuve the white dial. Please stop shoing off with your Vostok full lume. I want it so bad... Great video

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

I just wish the lume on the vostok was a little brighter. Otherwise a great fun watch.

@gimbydude491 4 года назад

I actually like the orange lettering (at least from my screen view, may look diff in person). Cyclops I don’t like on that style of watch. Think it would look better without. Will wait for your full review, with the Bonus rant (but really dude, you? rant? 😂). It’s all those amazing straps you will put on it that I cant wait for....love your strap choices.

@poulwinther 4 года назад

My preference would also be the cream dial but like you, I can't for the life of me comprehend why the put orange in something classy and I just hate the cyclops. So with the gross misalignment between dial and the wobly chapter ring I think I can find better ways to spend ways to spend $600.

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

From the sound of things the misalignment thing isn't new. Had multiple people tell me their sarb017 are the same way. Which makes me wonder if this was something other reviews had mentioned before and I just wasn't paying attention.

@TheShotenZenjin 4 года назад

It’s a nice looking watch, but not sure it will ever take on the classic, iconic status of the sarb017 Alpinist. Of course, the colour scheme and real functionality of that green and gold watch are divisive, but it has the heritage of a watch that was originally designed years ago for people who actually trekked up mountains, well before GPS was even an idea. As far as the new models are concerned, I personally do not like that somewhat obtrusive cyclops (I think Seiko should have offered a non-cyclops model) and notice the “S” engraved crown has disappointingly fallen by the wayside. Having said all that, I’m sure Seiko won’t be short of buyers for this new range, and consequently will be easy to flip without a loss.

@TheShotenZenjin 4 года назад

Bill McQ it should also be noted that the sarb017 is still available for US$400, so in the context of the price of the new line, it’s pretty much a no-brainer to grab a 017 at half the price (especially if someone was going to buy the new green and gold model). Unless, of course, an extra 30-hour power reserve is an absolute necessity for some reason.

@alberto6439 4 года назад

🥇 is just a beautiful watch, overpriced but worth it ...✅ question: why you point that the compass bezel needs to align with the indices? One is a measure of time and the other a measure of direction 🧐 I don’t think they are going to align as Both are just references 🧐 good video 👍 keep it up 🍻

@RelativeTime 4 года назад

Thanks! They don't need to line up, and most of them shouldn't. It's more of a quality control issue for the price. That if the dial and bezel are both installed and lined up with the case properly than the N, S, E , and W markings on the bezel should all line up with a corresponding indices on the dial. From a functionality stand point it doesn't matter much, but when they are selling these for $700 you think they would try. Plus this is more of an ongoing issue with Seiko right now and many of their dive watches.